Nominations for the 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diversity and Inclusion Awards are now open. The awards aim to recognize significant contributions to diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry.
The Inspirational Role Model Award is one of the categories, honoring a woman in a senior position who has significantly influenced diversity and inclusion at a global level. The High Flyer Award is intended for female aviation professionals under 40 who have shown leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. Lastly, the Diversity & Inclusion Team Award acknowledges an airline that has achieved positive change in this area, with nominations open to all IATA member airlines.
“The aviation sector is growing, and attracting more talent to join the industry is critical,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. He emphasized the importance of initiatives that promote a gender-balanced workforce as essential for attracting diverse candidates to various career opportunities in aviation.
Each award winner will receive $25,000, which can be directed towards their own activities or donated to a charity focused on diversity and inclusion. This prize is sponsored by Qatar Airways. Antonio Schulthess, Chief People Officer at Qatar Airways, expressed pride in supporting these awards: “Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor IATA’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards.”
An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker from Air Transport World will select the winners. Panel members include Kendra Kincade from Elevate Foundation, Mafunase Ngosa Malenga from Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology, and Jade Fisher-Ryner from British Airways.
The announcement of winners will take place during an event hosted by IATA in Delhi, India on June 2nd.
